The tandem tea tasters met once again this week to taste a seasonal blend call Creamy Pumpkin Spice from our own +Rachana Rachel Carter. I’ve been a big fan of the other teas that I’ve tried from her company, +iHeartTeas, so I was really looking forward to this one. In addition to the usual crowd we were joined by +Tea Temptress of Bingley’s Teas. +Jo J was missed by all as technical difficulties prevented her from joining in on the fun.
I have dreams of making a really tasty latte with it soon but for this tasting I prepared it straight up. My standard brewing procedure for most black teas fit the bill, 212 degrees for 5 minutes. Most of the group erred on the side of caution and went closer to 3 minutes but I like my black teas on the strong side. I’ll definitely be giving this tea it’s own review because it was delicious! It was earthy and rich with a definite pumpkin-ness along with a subtle bit of spice.
There was much chatter and laughter as always but for once we actually stayed in the realm of tea for the majority of our G+ hangout. Some of us also tasted Rachel’s Winter Frost which I have previously reviewed and enjoyed very much. I opted to only taste one tea since my allergies had me feeling under the weather. Both teas went over well but the group joked that the minty freshness of Winter Frost was better in the case of a post-sip smooch.
Along with our tea, we each crafted a Halloween themed card. It was a fun little activity that was different from the usual. My ever patient boyfriend even pitched in by doodling the envelope while we chatted. +Geoffrey Norman amazed us all by constructing his without any glue or tape.
+Geoffrey Norman of Steep Stories, I Heart Tandem Tea Tastings
+Rachana Rachel Carter of +iHeartTeas, Keeping Up with iHeartTeas
+Darlene Meyers-Perry of The Tea Enthusiast’s Scrapbook
+Jo J of Scandalous Tea, Tandem Tasting Creamy Pumpkin Spice